In his pre-match press conference the Boro manager was complementary
about his opposite number Steve Bruce stating that the Hull boss was a “very
good manager with a lot of experience”. He went on to say that Hull “are one of
the better teams in the division”. The match up will also see Boro’s assistant
coach Steve Agnew return to Hull where he was the assistant manager this time
year.
Bruce was equally respectful when commenting on the Teesiders
saying “you have to pay a big complement to Steve Gibson in the way he has run
the club over the years”. Even so you can expect the pre-match flattery to go
up of the window when the sides lock horns on the pitch at 3 o’clock.
Team News
Hull will be without the centre backs Alex Bruce and Curtis
Davies, who are both side-lined with injuries. Bruce was forced off with a
hamstring problem in the 2-0 victory over Brenford on Tuesday night, while
Davis is stilling unable to play due to a hamstring injury he picked up last
month. Sone Aluko and Adama Diomande
also remain out after lengthy injury spells.
The visitors will miss Uruguayan forward Christian Stuani
for the seventh game in succession; the striker sustained a double hamstring
tear when playing for his country in the last international break, although
Karanka has hinted he may return soon. Adam Forshaw still has an ankle issue so
will also miss the trip.
Stats and Facts
The last time the sides met at the KC Stadium in 2013, Hull
won by a goal to nil thanks to a Robbie Brady free kick.
Boro last won at Hull in April 2011 when they recorded a 4-2
victory and Scott McDonald scored a hat-trick.
Both sides have best goal differences in the league so far
with +15; the next best is Derby with +11.
Hull haven’t lost at home this season, winning five and
drawing two.
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| Adam Clayton (Picture from www.thenorthernecho.co.uk) |
Key Players
Boro’s Key
Adam Clayton
Clayton has been one of Boro’s standout performers this
campaign and will be need to be on his game if Boro are to get anything from
the match. The former Huddersfield midfielder provides valuable protection to
Boro’s backline alongside captain Grant Leadbitter; he often makes important
tackles and last minutes interceptions on the edge of his box to stop the
opposition advancing. Clayton rarely gets forward which can occasionally be an
issue when Boro are at home against sides near the bottom of the league.
However his style of play is well suited to tough away games, like this
weekend, where he can sit deep and allow his team to break on the counter
attack.
One To Watch
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| Ahmed Elmohamady (Picture from www4.pictures.zimbio.com) |
Ahmed Elmohamady
After signing permanently from Sunderland in 2013, Elmohamady
has become a key part of the Hull team despite only scoring six goals. The Egyptian
was part of the Hull side which were promoted in 2013 and has experience at
this level. Elmohamady is renowned for his accurate crossing and has claimed a
number of assists over his career. He will probably start the game on the right
of midfield in a 4-4-2 formation and will come up against Boro’s left back
George Friend. The visitors will have to make sure they stop the supply from Elmohamady, if not his deliveries to the likes of Hull striker Abel Hernandez
could be decisive.
Form
Hull
Brentford 0-2 W
MK Dons 0-2 W
Leicester 1-1 – [5-4 on penalties] W (Capital One Cup)
Birmingham 2-0 W
Ipswich 3-0 W
Middlesbrough
Rotherham 1-0 W
Charlton 3-0 W
Manchester United 0-0 – [1-3 on penalties] W (Capital One
Cup)
Wolves 1-3 W
Cardiff 1-0 L
Prediction
Hull 1 Middlesbrough
1
With the home advantage, Hull go into this match as slight
favourites and will be expected to extend their good run of form. Boro will set
up to be difficult to beat and break on the counter attack, which suits Aitor
Karanka’s style of play. Hull and Boro have the best defences in the league
this season so I expect a tight game and am going for a draw.
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